Fantasy Football Rankings Week 12: Cowboys and the Most Stout Defensive Options

'Tis the season to take advantage of defensive mismatches.

If you’re like me, you play a different defense every week depending on the matchup. Scouring the waiver wire becomes a weekly exercise as you look for the next one-week wonder.

Here are three defenses that are likely available, and poised to bring you home a big return.

Dallas Cowboys (vs. Miami Dolphins)

The Dolphins three-game win streak (and mini offensive explosion) has been against the Chiefs, Redskins and Bills—not exactly world-beaters. This is still the same team that lost their first seven games and this is still a team led by QB Matt Moore.

The Cowboys defense has been rejuvenated of late and has gradually turned into a team you can’t run the ball against, as they rank 11^th in the NFL in the category. Factor in a unit that has nine turnovers in the last three games, including a defensive touchdown, and you have yourself a safe bet to secure at least 8-10 points (ESPN standard scoring).

Bonus points: They play the Cardinals next week on 11 days rest.

Seattle Seahawks (vs. Washington Redskins)

This one is easy.

Mr. Interception Rex Grossman is going all the way to the other side of the country to play against a team with the best home-field advantage in football.

The Seahawks defense allowed a mere 185 yards of total offense last week with three forced turnovers, which comes a week after creating three more turnovers.

The unit is hot, at home and hungry to get themselves back in the NFC Wild Card mix.

Arizona Cardinals (@ St. Louis Rams)

You know the team that only churned out 185 yards against Seattle? That was the Rams.

The sophomore season of QB Sam Bradford has been an utter disaster, and he seems to be getting worse, not better.

The Cardinals were horrific on defense early on but have quietly allowed only 17.6 points per game in their last three contests.

Rookie CB Patrick Peterson has been much better of late with the unit as a whole gaining more experience by the week.  

Obviously putting your eggs in the Cardinals basket is risky, but against the Rams it makes a lot of sense.